Health is Not One-Size-Fits-All

The start of a new year often brings renewed motivation to focus on health. Many of us set goals to move more, eat differently, or lose weight with hopes that this year will be different. 

For many people, however, these efforts can quickly become frustrating. Health advice that works well for one person may not work the same for another. This is not a personal failure—it is often biology. 

Health is not one-size-fits-all and understanding this can help us approach wellness with more compassion and balance. 

Wellness Is Personal 

Wellness is about more than weight or appearance. True health reflects balance—between the body, mind, and daily life. Our health is shaped by our environment, experiences, and the demands we carry. Many modern health messages take a general approach and often overlook these individual factors, including the important biological differences in how men’s and women’s bodies function. 

Built Differently, Designed with Purpose 

Men and women are biologically different, and these differences are protective and intentional. On average, men have more lean muscle mass, which allows them to burn energy more quickly. Women’s bodies are naturally more energy-efficient and designed to conserve fuel. 

This is not a weakness—it is a strength rooted in survival and long-term health. When health plans do not account for these differences, they may work against the body, particularly for women. 

How Our Bodies Use Fuel 

Food is fuel, but not all bodies use it the same way. Men often access stored energy more easily. Women’s bodies tend to protect energy stores—especially during stress or low food intake. Extreme dieting or over-exercising can slow metabolism rather than speed it up. Feeling “stuck” may mean your body is responding exactly as it should. 

Hormones Matter 

Hormones influence energy, appetite, mood, and metabolism. Women’s hormones naturally fluctuate, affecting how the body responds to food, stress, and activity. Ignoring these fluctuations and relying on strict restrictions often leads to frustration. Supporting balance through proper nourishment, rest, and manageable activity is key. 

Redefining Health Beyond Weight 

Health is more than a number on the scale. It can mean: 

• Steady energy throughout the day 

• Strength for daily life 

• Quality sleep and recovery 

• Mental and emotional wellbeing 

  
  

In personal wellness, caring for ourselves is closely connected to caring for our families and community. Every body is different, and each wellness journey is unique. Small, consistent changes that respect our biology and cultural values tend to be more sustainable than extreme approaches. Health is not about forcing the body to change, but about learning how to work with it.